Glossary of contaminants in water

How safe is your water? Our water purification systems will ensure you have fresh, safe and healthy water to drink at all times. Take a look at our glossary of common water contaminants and contact A1 Water Filters with any enquiries.

Term

Cause and reaction

Turbidity, dirt and rust

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness. Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses and parasites.

Taste and odour

Offensive taste or odour.

Chlorine

Water additive used to control microbes. Can cause eye and nose irritation, stomach discomfort, anemia.

Molds and algae

A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms.

Oxidised iron

Oxidised means to have combined with or having undergone a chemical reaction with oxygen.

Oxidised manganese

A hard brittle grey polyvalent metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic. Its used in steel making and occurs in many minerals.

Oxidised sulfides

Sulfides that have been oxidised: having undergone a chemical reaction with oxygen.

Giardia lamblia cysts

Human and animal fecal waste.

1 Micron

A measurement of size – 1 Micron is equal to 0.0001 of a centimetre, used to describe the pore size of filter media.

.5 Micron

A measurement of size – .5 Micron is equal to 0.0005 of a centimetre,used to describe the pore size of filter media.

Scale control

Forms a protective coating on all metal surfaces, safeguarding against acidity/alkalinity, hardness, chloride and other factors which effect the corrosion of water equipment and pipes.

Cryprosporidium parvum cyst

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic single celled parasite somewhat smaller than a red blood cell, which, if swallowed, can cause gastroenteritis.

Anti-microbial protection

Filter protection – Silver Zeolite technology blended throughout the filter using Ion exchange to “Manage” the silver release giving optimum efficiency and longevity. EPA registered and FDA listed for food and water uses.

Organic chemicals

Added to water during sewage/wastewater treatment. Runoff from herbicide used on row crops. Discharge from factories, leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills. May cause eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of cancer.

Methyl tersiary-butyl ether (MTBE)

Oxygenates are added to fuel to increase its oxygen content. MTBE is used in gasoline to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels caused by auto emissions.

Lead

Corrosion of household plumbing systems – erosion of natural deposits. Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure.

Chloramines

Water additive used to control microbes. Can cause eye/nose irritation, stomach discomfort, anemia.

Trihalomethanes (TTHM’s)

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection. Can cause liver, kidney or central nervous system problems, increased risk of cancer.

Water additive which promotes strong teeth, erosion of natural deposits, discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Can cause bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones), children may get mottled teeth.